SHUKRA

SHUKRA

The radiant celestial guru of the demons Shukracharya was born to Bhrigu Maharshi and Ushana, also known as Usha. A detailed account of Shukra is available in the Mahabharatha, Matsya Purana, Devi Bhaagavatha, Kaashi Khanda and other Bhaagavatha puranas.

Bhrigu Maharshi married Usha, the daughter of Hiranya Kashipa. Shukracharya was born out of this wedlock. He married Priyavratha's daughter Urjaswathi and gave birth to four sons –Chanda, Amarka, Twaashtra, Dharaatra and a daughter by name Devayaani.

According to Kashi Khanda, Shukra, along with Brihaspathi studied under Angirasa. But Shukra to his dismay, notices Angirasa's undue fovouritism towards his son Brihaspathi. Shukra leaves to enrole himself with Gauthama Maharshi.

On Gouthama Maharshi's advice he sets off on a penance on the banks of river Gautami to appease Lord Shiva and obtains 'Mritasanjeevani," (the technique of reviving the deceased back to life). Sukra thus presides over as a teacher to the demons and in the battles between the gods and demons, he breathes life in to the slain demons.

The gods were upset on not being able to kill any of the demons including Andhakaasura. Hence they appealed to Lord Shiva, who in turn swallows Shukra and enables the gods to kill Andhakasura. Later Sukra is rejected out as semen from Shiva’s body.

Mahabharata also traces his origin, but with a slight variation. Sukra is said to have deceived Kubera into losing money and the latter lodges a complaint with Shiva. Shiva then swallows Shukra only to release later. As he happened to come out of Shiva's body, he is considered to be cosmic couple's son and they bless him to look brilliant.

Devi Bhagavatha relates how Sukra was angered by his demon-disciples. The story goes on to state how

Shukracharya gained Mrithasanjeevani from Shiva and used it to the demon’s advantage. To distract Shukra from the revival spree Indra deputes his daughter Jayanti to win him over with her charm. Jayanti succeeds in winning over Shukracharya and they begin to spend their time together in a remote heaven.

Meanwhile, as the demons started searching for him, Brihaspathi disguises himself as Shukracharya to harm the demons. Later Shukracharya comes back only to find a fake Shukaracharya in the demon-fold. An argument takes place between them but the demons continue to believe the fake Shukracharya. Then angered with their attitude, he curses the demons to get defeated in the hands of gods.

Another story about Shukra in Mahabharatha gives a vivid account of his paternal love. Shukra loves his

daughter Devayani and she falls in love with Kacha, Brihaspathi’s son, who comes to Shukacharya as a disciple. Though demons kill him, Shukracharya brings him back to life with "Mrithasanjeevani. Later once again the demons kill Kacha, burn him to ashes, mix it in liquor and makes Shukra to consume it. At the request of Devayani Shukra brings back life to Kacha who was in his stomach and teaches him the art of Mritasanjeevani. Kacha comes out of the stomach of Shukra and brings back life to Shukra.

Bhaagavatha Purana narrates another incident, which speaks of his boundless paternal love. His daughter Devayani was humiliated by Sarmishta, the daughter of king Vrishaparva. Sukra takes his

daughter's insult to heart and refuses to budge till the king sentences Sarmishta to be the slave of Devayani

for life. Devayani, later marries Yayaati But Yayaathi attracts Sukracharya's wrath as the latter finds Yayaati secretly married to Sarmishta. Thus Sukracharya curses Yayaati to become old.

Again, when, Vaamana arrives in Bali's kingdom and asks for three steps as alms. Sukra is quick to understand the implication of such a request and warns Bali in advance. As he stands between the alms given and the Vaamana to block a possible catastrophe, Vaamana pierces Sukra’s eye and henceforth he becomes an one-eyed guru.

Sukra's nature: The fair-coloured Sukra adorns a crown and positions himself on a white lotus. The four-handed Sukra holds baton, rosary, a vessel and a gesture of assurance. He favours demons and presides over the material and metaphysical wealth - Blessed by Brahma, he attains planetary position and showers bounty every where. Indraani is his adhidewata and Indra is the Pratyadhidevata. The eight horses driven chariot of Sukra sports many flags.

The feminic natured Sukra was born into a Bhargava gotra and is a Brahminical planet. He was born on Friday in the year Paarthiva on Sraavana Suddha Ashtami when Swathi Nakshatra is on the ascent.

Sukra in astrology: He positions eastward opposite to the sun. He is the Chief of the Kambhoja kingdom, and lords over Tula and Vrishabha raashis. Meena raasi is his best place and Kanya raasi is malignant. For some months he is sighted before the Sunrise and after the sunset. In conjugation with sun, he creates "Sukra Moudhya". In a horoscope Sukra dasa lasts for 20 years. He gives good results in 1,2,4,5,8,9 and 11 positions. 

If the Beejaakshara "Om Draam, Dreem, Droum, Saha Shukraaya Namaha" is chanted for 20,000 times, it is said to issue out good results. Diamond is to be worn to appease Sukra. Silver, gold, rice, ghee, white cloths, sandal wood, white horse, curds, sugar and lands are to be given away to please him.

Sukra stands for pleasures, love, marriage, beauty, jewellery, fine arts, and all types of prosperity is the result of Sukra's consideration and blessing. A broken marriage, ill-repute, excess expenditure, kidney problem, diabetics, throat infection are the result of Sukra being in a malignant position. Among stars, Poorva Phalguni, Poorvaashaada and Bharani belong to him. If Sukra happens to be in a said muhurtha, when a well is dug, it holds abundant water.

According to science: Westerners refer to Sukra as shooting star. Greeks worship his as the angel of beauty and peace and also as a great poet. His proximity to sun gives him brilliance. Like Moon, he too has phases. Sukra is two fold more brilliant than the earth and in distanced from earth by 420 486 yojanaas. He resides in each raasi (sign) for a period of 30 days.
          

SATURN- SHANI

The tardiest of all the planets is Saturn, who is also known as Shaneeshwara, Shanaischara, Manda, Konastha, Pingala and Souri. Different stories are narrated to trace his origin. To begin with, he is said to be the offspring of Surya and Sangya, the daughter of Vishwakarma. Yama, the God of death and the river Yamuna are believed to be his sibilings. Shani, Tapathi and Saavarni are the three children born to Surya and Sangya

Appearance: The blue coloured Saturn is robed in blue clothes with a gold crown shining in all brilliance. His vehicle is eagle. Saturn is married to Sati, chitraradha’s daughter. Sati, a devoted wife, once approaches Shani desiring a child. But Shani, meditating upon Vishnu pays no heed to his wife. Disappointed by Shani’s attitude, Sati revels a curse that those who look at him be doomed. Shani appealed to absolve him of this curse go in vain. Henceforth, it is prescribed that those who look at him with bent heads would not carry the curse.
Another prevalent story about Sani is to be found in the Raamaayana. According to astrology, if Sani destroys the vehicle of Rohini, the pieces that fall on earth cause stark famine. Knowing this, king Dasharatha approached Sani, with a request not to be on the destructive spree. Sani is pleased with the king’s pleading and assures that he would not cause destruction. King Dasharatha is immensely pleased and goes rhapsodic about Sani’s greatness. These attributes of Sani composed by Dasharatha are quite famous.
The presiding deity of Sani is Lord Brahma. The Pratyadhi deity is Yama. The iron chariot driven by eagle is Saturn’s vehicle.
According to solar school of thought, Sani was believed to have been born out of Vayu (one of the five elements). The orbit of Saturn is 8.871 lakh miles away from the sun.
Saturn in Astrology: Saturn was born in Saurashtra into Kashyapa gotra in the year Vibhava on Navami of Shukala Paksha in Pushya maasa. His star was Bharani and he was born on a Saturday. Facing west-ward, he adorns Dhanus, Trishul, Arrow and Varada mudra in his four hands. He presides over Makara and Kumbha rashis. In the planetary system, he is positioned behind the Sun in a bow like formation towards west. Tula lagna is the best place for Shani. In a native horoscope, if Saturn is positioned in 3, 6 and 11 zodiac signs, he gives good results. His tenure is 19 years and in each sign, he resides for 30 months.
Popular stories about Shani: Once upon a time there lived a brahmin by name Gunaratnakara in Satyavratha region. Once the brahmin’s deceased grand father appears in the dream and prophesies the region of Saturn for seven and half years. The brahmin wakes up from the dream and chants the Shani stotra penned by king Dasharatha. Saturn is appeared but he says he would at-least afflict him for three and a half hours. The brahmin makes it to a forest with food tied in a piece of cloth and sits for penance. Just then thieves break into the palace of king Vasupala of Lakshmipura kingdom and decamp with jewellery tied into a casket. They run into the forest and disappear. Meanwhile the security guards of the palace chase the thieves and come across the meditating brahmin. By his side they see the casket of jewellery. The brahmin is taken to the king and when he unties the casket, he only finds food in it. The brahmin understands it as the effect of Shani and explains the same to the king.
Another story runs on the lines of how the cosmic Lord Shiva falls a prey to Shani’s affliction. Saturn is challenged by Shiva and in order to escape the clutches of Shani, Lord Shiva seeks refuge in the form of a seed in a fruit. Saturn tells the Lord that it is his affliction which made Lord Shiva leave his abode in kailasa and take shelter in an ordinary fruit.
Saturn’s impact fails to work when he plans to trap Lord Venkateshwara. Thus it is believed that those who worship the Lord of seven hills especially on Saturdays will be absolved from the evil effects of Shani.

Temples of Shani
An ancient temple in Mandapalli near Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh is a famous temple of Shani. Another one is at Shinganapur near Shirdi. The third famous temple is at Tirunallar in Tamil Nadu. Worshipping Lord Venkateshwara at Tirupathi or at any of these temples will appease Shani. 

Astronomy:
The diameter of Saturn is 7,25,000 miles and the temperature is 179 deg C. There is a circle of light encircling Saturn and it is the second biggest planet after Jupiter in the solar system. Saturn is positioned 2,01, 83,904 yojanas away from the earth. (one yojana is equal to eight miles).

Moola Mantram:
There are several books being used to worship Saturn. It is said that Shani japam should be done 19,000 times to win his favour. There are several beeja mantras to appease Shani.
HREEM SREEM GRAHA CHAKRA VARTHINE SHANAISCHARAAYA KLEEM IM SAHA SWAAHAA

General Mantra
OM SHAM SHANAISCHARAAYA NAMAHA

Puranic Mantra
OM PRAAM PREEM PROUM SAHA SHANAISCHARAAYA NAMAHA

In other books
OM KHRAAM KHREEM KHROUM SAHA SHANAYE NAMAHA
Tailabhishekam to Sani preferably on Saturndays or more so on Shani Trayodashi is very efficacious. 

Material required
Piece of black cloth, Black gingelly seeds, Blue or black flowers, Garland, Til oil, Lamp, A mixture of gingelly and jaggery, Grains of rice, Turmeric, Kumkum, Coconut, Bananas, Incense sticks, Camphor, Betel leaves, Nuts, Idol of Shani and a piece of towel are required to perform Shani pooja and abhishekam.


Impact of Shani on human lives
The Saturn influences and shapes human attitudes. Longevity, frugality, patience, endurance, philosophical disposition, temperment, education, love for blue robes, foreign residence are all the gifts of Saturn. On the negative side, he rouses love for gambling, ill reputation, lack of systematic approach, procrastination and foolish behaviour. Cowardice and premature aging and a host of negative attitudes spring from Saturn.
To appease Shani, one has to give away blue coloured flowers, black gingelly seeds. Black slippers and umbrella. A blue coloured precious stone (Neela Mani) should be worn to pacify Saturn. Pushyami, Anuraadha and Uttaraabhaadra are the stars which are considered to be Shani nakshatras.

KETU

Ketu
Of the nine planets chronologically Ketu figures last. Like Rahu, Ketu is a planet in shadow and the reflection they cast during the eclipse is referred to as Umbra-Penumbra. However, the western astrological texts do not acknowledge the presence of these planets.
A detailed reference to ketu is found in Mahaabhaaratha, Bhaagavatha puraana Brahmaa vaivartha puraana and Matsya puraana. Like Rahu, Ketu is also a descendant of the demon clan and forms the nether part of Rahu. As the cosmic ocean is churned, elixir emerges and Lord Vishnu in the form of Mohini favours the distribution only to the angels. Seeing this, Rahu shifts to the line of the angels. The sun and the moon notice that and inform the same to Lord Vishnu. Mohini then beheads Rahu but by then the trickle of elixir keeps the nether part of Rahu alive and thus Ketu emerges.
Viprachitti and Simhika are the parents of Ketu. Simhika is the sister of Hiranyakashyapa, father of Prahlada. There is another story that traces Ketu’s origin to Brahma’s creation of Mrityu. It is said Lord Brahma mulled over the growing population and out of that thought, Mrityu emerged. Mriytyu was ordered to be on the killing spree, as she obviously did not like her task shed tears. Ketu is said to have been born out of those tears and Brahma named him Dhumaketu ordering him to cause both joy and sorrow to people.
The two-armed, black-robed and reddish black Ketu with a crown on the head is said to be a cruel planet. He sports Varamudra in one hand and mace in the other. He mounts an eagle though some books refer to pigeon as his vehicle. Residing in his bow shaped Adharabhoomi in Navagraha, he faces north - west. The six inch bodied Ketu belongs to Jaimini gotra, his adhidevatha is Chitrakethu and pratyadhidevata is Brahma. He was born on a new moon day on Tuesday in the year Keelaka during Margashira when the star Moola was in the ascent. (Some books mention his birth in the year Raakshasa during Chaitra maasa when the star Revathi was in the ascent.)
Ketu presides over Ashwini, Makha and Mula nakshatras. Rahu and Ketu often pester the Sun and the Moon. If the Sun and the other planets rotate in clock- wise direction, Rahu and Ketu move in anti- clock wise. According to Jaataka pala Manjari, Rahu and Ketu are 100 years old and Ketu is said to be an impotent planet. Cat’s eye is the precious stone worn to appease Ketu and horse gram should be given away to win his favour.
Ketu’s period runs for seven years and alike Rahu, this planet too is non- stationary. Ketu resides for a period of 18 months in each zodiac sign and his mahardasha lasts for 7years.Dhanush raasi is the most benefit position and Mithuna raasi is malefic to Ketu. He is the native of Meena raasi. Rahu and Ketu never reside in the same houses.
Positive effects of Ketu: He presides over intellectual acumen, enthusiasm, materialistic pleasures, friendship, wisdom, spiritual thoughts, philosophy, salvation, renunciation and interest in other languages.
Ill effectes: Misdeeds, danger, anarchy, air accidents, rebellion, loss in wealth, spinal problems, untimely death, mental imbalance and fire accidents are some of the ill effects of Ketu.
Ketu likes sacred grass, flowers, red lotuses, horse gram, mustard-powder, cow-milk, dates, pineapple, sugar, seven-wick lamp, mid-night prayers, pepper, iron, neem and yam to mention a few. Seven is his favourite number and he should be worshipped on Tuesdays and Sundays. The Beejaakshara Mantra for Ketu is 

"OM SRAAM SREEM SROUM SAHA KETAVE NAMAHA"
The ordinary mantra is:

"OM KAYM KETAVE NAMAHA"
Other texts refer to Kethu mantra as:

"HREEM KROOM KRURAROOPINAY KETAVE IM SOUHU SWAAHAA"
Any of these mantras is equally efficacious.
In astrology, Rahu gives Kuja’s results and Ketu gives Sani’s results. In the orbit, when in 3,6,11 positions, Ketu yields good results. Ketu is friendly with Sun, Moon and Jupiter and malefic with Venus and Saturn. The evil effects of Ketu can be warded off by offering food to the vedic scholars.
In the zodiac, Rahu and Ketu are positioned in opposite directions. Of the two, if one teams up with the moon and the other with the sun, Lunar eclipse occurs. If the sun and the moon are in the same house and if either Rahu or Ketu teams up with them, then occurs the Solar-eclipse. Rahu and Ketu are planets in shadow.
One cannot rule out their existence, eventhough they are not visible. Indian astrologers took them into reckoning and calculated the celestial moments to their right precision without any external supports like telescope. Indian astrology without Rahu and Ketu should have been a half-baked one.

RAHU

RAHU

Rahu, the planet in shadows, is accorded recognition by the Indian astrologers and like Ketu, this planet is also not visible in the galaxy.

Source material: A mine of information about Rahu is available in Brahmaavaivartha puraana, Mahaabhaagavatha, Mahaabhaaratha, Matsya puraana, Rigveda and Vishnu puraana.

Rahu was born to Simhika and Viprachitthi. Rahu’s mother simhika (also known as Simhita) was the daughter of Hiranyakashyapa (Bhakta Prahlada’s father). There are several brothers to Rahu and they are Salya, Nabha, Vaataapi, Ilvala and Namuchi. It is also believed that Rahu is the eldest of the 100 brothers. He also has a sister by name Maahishmathi.

Bhagavatha makes a mention of Rahu in the cosmic churning. As the demons and the gods went on churning the milky ocean with Meru parvatha, several interesting things surfaced and the ambrosia (amrita) is one among them. Lord Vishnu, disguised himself as Mohini, a celestial dancer and took upon himself the task of distributing the amrita. In this process, he elbowed the demons and went on offering the amrita to gods and angels. Seeing this, Rahu impersonates as one of the gods and sits in the row of the gods to partake the amrita. Noticing this surya and chandra alerted mohini. Mohini, loses no time in beheading but by then Rahu swallowed amrita and so he could not be killed. Henceforth the neckline became Rahu and the torno is referred to as Ketu. Since then Rahu is said to have nursed a gurdge against the surya and chandra, and gobbles them up in the wake of an eclipse.

Nature: The fierce face of Rahu adorns a crown and a garland runs round his neck. Clad is black, the four shouldered Rahu sports sword, shield, trishula and varamudra in his four hands. He sits on a lion. As the faint trace of nectar made him immortal, Lord Brahma conferred upon him the status of a planet. The eight horse driven chariot of Rahu is darkness. The presiding deity of Rahu is Yama and Surya in his pratyadhidevata. His position in the galaxy is south - westwards and it resembles a winnowing fan.

Astrology: Born into paithenasa gotra, Rahu is fierdish in nature. He was born in the year parthiva(Rakshasa –in some other books) in bhaadrapada maasa, krishna paksha on the fourteenth day of the waving moon on a Sunday. Visakha is his birth star. Rahu dasa lasts for 18 years. He has no aura of his own as he is considered a "chaaya graha". At the intersecting points of lunar and solar circumferences, there are two dots. The northern dot is called Rahu or the dragon headed and the southern dot is referred to as dragon’s tail. Rahu, like other planets does not preside over particular zodiac sign. Vrishabha lagna is his best place whereas vrishchika lagna is his worst. For ketu, vrishchika is the best place. According to parasara samhitha, kanya rasi is his nature place.

Mrityunjaya japa is considered to be highly efficacious to pacify Rahu. The beejaakshara runs thus:

OM BHRAAM BHREEM BHROUM SAHA RAHAVE NAMAHA

This mantra or the mantra in the Navagraha stotra pertaining to Rahu need to be chanted for 18000 times.

Rahu lords over aardra, swathi and satabhisha nakshatras. Like Kuja and Sani, Rahu too yields favours when he is positioned in 3, 6 & 11^th houses from the janma raasi.

Malific effects of Rahu: Social backwardness, mental tension, misuse of power, electric shock, lack of interest, evil thoughts, bad dreams, trouble while in a foreign land, loss of money in vices, ill health, fear of thieves, legal hassles, possession of evil spirits to mention a few.

Beneficial effects: Command over foreign languages, courage, research, social service, interest in magic sciences, photography are some of the positive traits.

What Rahu likes most: To pacify Rahu, black gram should be given away. Caldera flowers, black lillies are used in his worship. Fishes, grapes, almonds, liquor, red sandal paste, 10 wick-lamp, graveyard land, panchaloha Rahu pratima, gomedhika, blue clothes, marijuana lotus leaves and aluminium are some of the things used in Rahu pooja.

To pacify Rahu, gomedhika gem studded ring is to be worn. Wearing this finger ring leads to prosperity success, financial prosperity, education and good health.

Eclipses: Rahu and Ketu, if one is with sun and the other with the moon, then it is lunar eclipse. If the sun and the moon are with either Rahu or Ketu, then the solar eclipse occurs.

Tirunagendram at Kumbhakonam in Tamilnadu is a sacred place of Rahu worship. Kalahasthi in Andhra Pradesh is also known for its Rahu worship. Soornaarkoil in Kumbhakonam or any temple with Navagrahas is ideal for Rahu worship.

KUJA -MANGALA

Kuja
The crimson coloured Kuja is described as Angaaraka, Mangala and Bhouma in Puraanas. A huge wealth of information is available about him in Brahma Vaivarta Puraanam, Siva, Padma Puraanaas and in treatise of Astrology.
The Brahma Vaivarta Puraana traces the origin of Kuja as follows:
The time dates back to the post cosmic incarnation of Lord Vishnu as a boar. The story goes to say that Bhoodevi falls in love with Lord Vishnu and approaches him. The lord favours her and she leaves a coral in the ocean as a token of their togetherness. Kuja is said to have born out of that coral. Etymologically, ‘KU’ means earth and ‘JA’ refers to birth. Hence he is referred to as the son of the earth or in other words Bhauma.
Padma Puraana gives a slightly different version of Kuja’s origin. Once a bead of perspiration from Lord Vishnu’s brow falls on the earth and from that energy a red coloured person, who is also known as Lohitaanga takes birth. He wins over Lord Brahma with his rigorous penance and secures a position in the planets. He is none other than Kuja.
Shiva Puraana tracks down his origin to Lord Shiva. Sati Devi, daughter of Dakshaprajaapathi, immolates herself in the Yogic fire, as a sequel to her separation from the lord. Lord Shiva too is stricken with agony and in that pain-filled state; a drop of sweat from his body falls on earth. Again a crimson coloured person emerges out of the drop of sweat and Bhoodevi tends him. Hence Kuja is looked upon as the son of Lord Shiva or Kumaara Swami. It is in this context that Kumaara Swami is ceremoniously worshipped on Tuesdays. 

Kuja according to astrology:
Kuja prays to the Sun and the Moon and lords over Mesha (Aries) and Vrischika (Scorpio) Raasis. Kuja is in the ascent in Makara (Capricorn) raasi and is malefic in Karkataka (Cancer). According to Surya siddhanta, a school of thought in astrology, Kuja is one among the Panchamahabhootas refering to Agni. It is in the light of this reason that Kuja or Mars is red in colour. Married women wear Coral, signifying Mars in their Mangalasootras as an appeasement to the fire god. Mars lords over Mrigashira, Dhanishta and Chitta stars. Kuja dasha runs for a period of seven years and red gram is offered to please the lord.

Kuja’s nature and form:
born into a Bharadwaaja gotra, the four armed Kuja, who is also known as Mangala, is red in colour. Gold coronet on the head, red garlands and red dress mark him out to be a Mars god. Goat is his vehicle. He adorns Trishoola, Varamudra, Abhaya mudra and mace in all his four arms.

Bhavishya Purana sketches out in detail the mode of his worship.
Kuja Yantra should be drawn on a copper plate on Tuesdays. A gold idol of Kuja should be placed on the Yantra for worship. Copper, gold, red coloured dress, jaggery, red sandal, red flowers, saffron, musk and red coloured cows should be given away to win his favour. Lord Shiva and Kumaara Swami can also be worshipped to appease Mars. Kuja render in each raasi for a period of 45 days. Kuja gives benefits when he is in the 3^rd, 6^th and the 11^th raasis.
Other features
Kuja was born in the month of Aashaada on Tuesday in the year of Raakshasa naama. His birth star is Anuradha and was born on the Dasami of shukala pakshmi.
He is the lord of a kingdom called Avanthi. In the group of nine planets or navagrahaas, he is positioned in a triangular form. Like other planets it is believed that he too circumbulates mount Meru on a splendorous chariot roofed with a red umbrella and red flag. Turning South ward in the planetary position, the red garland decked Mars is positioned towards the south of the Sun.
The beejaaksharaas of Mars are:

OM KRAAM KREEM KROUM SAHA BHOUMAAYA NAMAHA
The mantras require chanting of seven or ten thousand times. The ashtottara namaas of Kuja are available in books relating to Navagraha aaraadhana.
Kuja, along with Guru and Surya bestows raajayoga upon the native of the horoscope. Kuja gives fillip to gain prosperity in jobs relating to police force, defence, engineering and surgery. Electronic goods, machinery and agricultural lands come our way by the grace and blessings of Mars. Goods relating to heat and fire, are required to be bought on Tuesdays.

Malefic influence of kuja:

Kuja does not cause malific influence for those born under Ashwini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushyami, Aashlesha, Uttara, Swaathi, Anuraadha, Purvaashaada, Uttaraashada,Shravanam, Uttaraabhaadra and Revathi stars. If kuja is positioned in the 2^nd, 12^th, 4^th, 7^th & 8^th places of the lagna raasi, there is a possibility of kuja dosha and also loss of a spouse. Those born under Leo and Cancer zodiac sign, and also that of Aries, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Pisces there is no fear of kuja dosha. If kuja aligns with guru, then there is no evil influence. For men, 2^nd and 7^th positions of kuja are said to be harmful and for women 4^th and 8^th positions. In general 8^th position of kuja is considered malefic. However to size up the influence of this planet, a sound astrological advice is recommended.
Those who come under the influence of this planet are prone to anger, determination, courage. The duty bound people with higher levels of self-esteem evince these traits on account of the influence exerted by the ruddy colored Lord Kuja or Mars.

BUDHA -MARCURY

According to the 12^th chapter of Soorya Siddhanta, of the panchabhootas, Budha took birth from the earth. Astrology says that Mercury or Budha is formed from the earth.

According to Atharvaveda, Budha was born to Tara and Chandra. In addition to Atharvaveda, Matsyapurana and Bhagavata also speak about the birth and history of Budha.

The story goes on to say that Tara, wife of Brihaspathi, was attracted towards moon, who came to Brihaspathi in academic pursuit. Budha is the son of Tara and Moon. However, Rohini, wife of chandra brings up Budha.

Mahabharata tells a different story about Budha. It is said that Sudyumna, son of Vaivaswatha Manu turns into a beautiful dame after taking a dip in a lake. In his new form, he was referred to as Ila (pronounced as E-LA). Budha was drawn towards her and Manu agrees for their marriage. Both were blessed with a son named Puroorava. Budha did penance for Brahma and attained a position in the galaxy as a planet.

Brahma vaivartha purana says Budha married Kubera’s daughter Chitra. This relation resulted in a son named Chaitra.

Vishnu Dharmottara Purana provides a different story about Budha. King Kashyapa has three wives Aditi, Diti and Danuvu. Raja was the son born to Danuvu. Raja loved Vaaruni, daughter of Varuna or Neptune. As a token of love, Raja transferred all his powers to Vaaruni. Making use of these powers, Vaaruni ‘dissolved’ herself in water. However, Raja followed her and dissolved. During that time, Chandra or moon churned water for children. While the churning was in progress, Vishnu shows his reflection in water, resulting in transformation of water into devine luster. Then Brihaspati’s (Jupiter) wife Tara hands over this luster to Chandra or moon’s wife Rohini. Budha is said to have born out of this luster.

Budha’s appearance and nature:

Budha adorns yellow coloured garland. His body too is of the same colour. His four hands bear sword, shield, mace and Varamudra. He wears a golden crown. He uses lion as his vehicle. Budha is endorsed with razor sharp intellect, which made Brhama to give him the name Budha. He is known to be proficient in all sciences. According to Bhagavata, planet Budha is at a distance of one lakh Yojanas from planet Shukra (one Yojana is equal to 11 kms). His chariot shines in white. This chariot is pulled by horses which match the speed of wind. These ten horses are swetha, pisanga, saaranga, neela, peetha, vilohitha, krishna, haritha, prusha and prushni. This is explained in Matsya Purana. Planet Budha is precided over by Vishnu.

Astrological details:

Budha is situated in the North East position in the form of a bow in the planetary orbit. He lords over Mithuna and Kanya rasis. Born in Magadha, he belongs to Atreyasa gotra and his birthday falls on the Seventh day after the no-moon day on Wednesday in the month of Margashira in the year Angirasa. He was in Poorvabhadra nakshatra. Worship of Vishnu is recommended to appease this planet. A vrata is performed on the new moon day to pacify this planet. According to the procedure prescribed, it is required to give away a white tusk of an elephant, a green cloth, green gram, gold, camphor, a weapon, a fruit accompanied by a delicious meal to a brahmin.

Of the nine precious gems, Budha favours Emerald. Budha’s dasa is said to be of 17 years. Budha influences business. This planet gives knowledge, astrological knowledge, efficiency in work, sense of humour, literary ability and mathematical prowess. Black water-lily, wax flower (Sampangi), flowers in black and red colours, green gram, cow ghee, curds and grape juice are favourite material to Budha.

Budha’s beejaaksharaas are:

Om Braam; Breem; Broum; Saha; Budhaaya Namaha

This mantra has to be chanted 17000 times to get rid of the malefic effects of this planet. In a horoscope, Budha resides for a month in each zodiac or house. When he is in 2,4,6,8 and 11 houses, gives favourable results. Budha is the lord of Aslesha, Jyeshta and Revati stars. He befriends Ravi and Sukra but is hostile to chandra. He is neither enemy nor friend (neutral) to the planets Kuja, Guru and Sani. Budha’s orbit is approximately 360 lakh miles away from Ravi or Sun. From Earth his orbit is 164134 yojanas. Budha is at his best in Kanya rasi and at the worst in Meena rasi. He is favourable when in conjunction with Guru and Sukra. In horoscope, Budha indicates maternal uncle.

THE GLORY GURU OR BRIHASPATHI

In the solar system, Guru, Brihaspathi or Jupiter as his popularly known occupies the second largest position after the Sun. Jupiter is revered as celestial preceptor of the Gods.

The Rigveda, Skandhapurana, Matsyapurana, Shivapurana, Maha Bharatha and Bhagavatha reveal a wealth of information about this planet.

According to Shivapurana he was born to Angirasa and Suroopa. His brothers are Utathya and Samvartana. Once Indra and Brihaspathy were believed to have gone to Kailasa the abode of Lord Shiva. Shiva intends to put them to test and obstructs their path at the entry in the guise of a furious Digambara. Failing to recognise the Lord, Indra unleashes his most powerful weapon Vajraayudha on Shiva and falls prey to his anger. He is reduced to a heap of ashes. Then Brihaspathi is quick to realise god’s entity, appeases his anger and appeals to the lord to restore Indra to life. Thus Indra is saved by Bruhaspathi and with this he earns the title of ‘Jeeva’ the life giver.

As per the Maha Bharatha, Bruhaspathi is drawn towards his brother’s (utathya’s)wife Mamatha. The child in the womb of mamata accuses Bruhaspathi and he in turn curses the child to go blind. The child born was Bharadwaja.

Matsya purana gives a different picture about Brihaspathi. Shukraacharya is enamoured by a celestial damsel called Jayanthi and Brihaspathi works it out to his advantage. As Shukrachaarya remains under the magic spell of the beautiful damsel, Brihaspathi goes to the demons in the guise of their guru, Shukraacharya. The demons taking Bruhaspathi to be their guru, confide in him all the secrets. The demons are shocked to see their real guru arrive at a later point of time and were perpled to see their guru in two forms. There enures a fight between the two gurus and finally Brihaspathi vanishes.

Brihaspathi is married to three women. The eldest wife shubha begets him seven daughters. They are Bhanumathi, Raaka, Archishmathi, Mahaamathi, Mahishmathi, Sinivaali and Havishmathi. The second wife Tara gives birth to seven sons and a daughter. The youngest wife, who also happen to be his brother’s wife Mamatha gives birth to Bharadwaaja and Kacha.

The yellow lined Brihaspathi is always clad in yellow-coloured robes and sits on a lotus. He adornes a golden crown, garland round his neck and possess a wand, rosary, an urn and a “varamudra” (gesture of benevolence) in all his four hands.

Besides being a teacher to the gods he is also entitled to receive the share offered in Yagnas. He uses his mantric power to subvert the propitiation of the asuras to the advantage of the gods.

According to Skaandha Purana, Brihaspathi did great penance on the banks of prabhasa teertha for Lord Shiva and aquired the planetary position in the galaxy and also the position as devine preceptor.

Rigveda describes him as one with good looks and the one whose house, chariot, wand and vehicle are all of radiant gold.

Astrologically, his origin is traced to the sky. He faces east- ward, and lords over a region called sindhudweepa. Born into angirasa gotra his birthday falls in the year Angirasa, vaisaakha month on Ekadashi (Thursday)of Shukla paksha. His birth star is uttara. He presides over Dhanus (Saggitarius) and Meena (Pisces) raashis. He is at his best in Karkaata raashi. Guru spare runs for a year in each house of the zodiac. The day when guru shifts his house, there is pushkara in the respective rivers for a twelve day period. This is considered to be a holy time when people take a dip in the said river. This year Guru entered the house of Taurus and there was Pushkara for the river Narmada.

Guru reigns over for a span of sixteen years. Guru showers worldly- wisdom, progeny, prudence, propriety, benolance and honesty. Guru when joins Sun, spells out an inauspicious time- lag called Guru moudhyam. Guru favours gold, turmeric, horses, books, sugar, ghee, yellow-coloured cloth, honey, Chrysanthemum, marigold and all yellow-coloured flowers. To appease this planet it is recommended to give away bengal gram in alms.

The yellow-coloured precious germ called pushyaraaga studded in the ring is capable of warding off the malefic effects of Guru. Guru showers all his blessings to the signs residing in the houses 2, 5, 9 & 11 especially to 5 & 9.

The Bejaakshara mantra of Guru runs thus:

OM GRAAM GREEM GROUM SAHA GURAVE NAMAHA
and
OM IM SHREEM HREEM KLEEM BRIHASPATHAYE SWAAHAA

The biggest of all the planets in the solar system, the gravitational pull of Jupiter is two and half times greater than that of the earth. Guru befriends Ravi and Kuja, neutral to Shani and is hostile to Budha and Shukra.

Ganesha
This section is meant for informing the browsers about various poojas that are performed according to the Hindu culture and tradition. Our aim is to inform fellow tradition lovers about the details of worshipping a God including the importance of the God, pooja vidhi or the method of worship and the material required for performing the pooja. We will feature the details of one God and pooja vidhi every week. You may note that there are certain differences in the pooja vidhi and the type of material used depending on the regional practices. The details
provided in these columns are general and that are based on the basic rules of worship. Watch out for more information on the basic pillar of the Indian tradition, God in these columns.

"Om Sri Gam Ganapathaye Namaha"

This is the Lord Ganesha’s mantra.
According to the Vaidic literature, Ganesha is the eldest son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi and he is the head of Pramadhaganas, hence Ganapathi. His brother is Kumaraswamy.
Hindus worship Lord Ganesha with several other names like Vinayaka, Vighneswara, Gajanana and Ganapathi.
Lord Ganapathi is said to be the form of Omkara. Om, which is written in Devanagari (script) is also considered as the pranava. In Om, the upper arc is said to be the head or the face of Gajanana. The Lower arc is his belly. The twisted arc, which is on the right side of Om is the trunk. Thus Omkara represents the complete physical form of Lord Ganesha.
Similarly, yet another divine symbol, the Swastika is also worshipped as another form of Lord Ganesha. According to the Indian culture, both these symbols have divine values.
Every year, the fourth day after the no-moon day (Amaavasya) in the month of Bhadrapada (September according to the English calendar) is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. This day is known as Vinayaka Chaturdhi or Vinayaka Chavithi.
On this day, Lord Ganesha was born in Hasthami Nakshatra and Kanya Raasi. The Lord of Kanaya Raasi is Budha (Mercury). Green coloured jewel or Emerald represents Mercury. Owing to this, we worship Lord Ganesha with grass, which is of green in colour.
As Ganesha was born in the zodiac Mercury, he is intelligent like Budha. Similarly, who ever prays him will also attain the intelligence. The Raasi in which Ganesha was born (Hasthami) has the shape of an elephant trunk and rises before dawn on the day of Vinayaka Chavithi.
In the zodiac, Kanya Raasi is in the sixth position. This place indicates the debts and diseases. Owing to this, by worshiping the Lord, the devotees will get rid of the problems related to debt and ill health.
Ganesha is also considered to be the Lord of agriculture. Bhadrapada, the month in which Ganesha was born, falls in rainy season. Being the Lord of agriculture, even the body parts of Ganesha have relevance to various agricultural implements. His trunk resembles the plough. Ears are compared to dust pans. His belly is compared to granary. His vehicle, the rat, indicates the abundant availability of grain. The goad he holds is used for driving the bullock carts, which carry the grain to the granary.A fruit in the other hand is indication of bountiful yield. All these indicate that Lord Ganesha symbolises prosperity. 

Aakaashasyaadhipo Vishnuhu Agneshchaiva maheshvari
Vaayoh Sooryaha Kshiterishaha Jeevanasya Ganaadhipaha

This indicates Lord Ganesha to be the Lord of water as well. Basing on this, his idols are immersed in water after worshiping them for nine days during the Vinayaka navaratri.
Lord Ganesha inspires all Lords related to the Karmendriyas (mouth, hands, legs, rectum and genitals), five Gnanendriyas (eyes, nose, ears, tongue and skin), four antahkaranas (Manas,Buddhi,Ahankara and Chittam).
As every recital starts with an Omkara, all the rituals too start only after praying Lord Ganesha. Otherwise, it is believed, the rituals will not reach their logical end. 

Sumukhaschaikadanthascha kapilo gajakarnikaha
Lambodarascha vikato vighnaraajo ganaadhipaha
Dhoomaketurganaadhyakshaha phalachandro gajaananaha
Vakratundaha shoorpakarno herambaha skandhapoorvajaha

Who ever recites all these 16 names of Lord Ganesha will avoid various starting troubles during any activity.
There is a mention about Lord Ganesha and his importance in Padma Purana, Linga Purana, Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Skaanda Purana, Siva Purana, Ganesha Purana, Mudgala Purana, Ganapatyadharva Sheersham and Ganapatyupanishad.
Lord Ganesha is described to be having an elephant face, large ears, one tusk, four arms, large belly and the rat as his vehicle. Noose, goad, tusk and an open palm assuring protection…is the description about his four arms. His colour is mentioned to be blood red and sports the same coloured clothes.
Devotees worship him with 21 blades of grass (Darbha) and 21 varieties of flowers. He is known as Modakapriya. Hence is offered 21 Modakas (round cakes or balls made of rice flour). Lord Vinayaka also likes Wood apple, coconut, black plum, plum and other varieties of fruits. Green gram and Bengal gram are soaked in water and offered.
While reciting Ganapathi Stotra or Shata or Sahasra Naama, every name starts with four beejaaksharas—Om, Shreem Glaum Gam and ends with Namaha.
Wednesday is the prominent day for Lord Ganesha. Gam is the beejaakshara for Ganapathi. According to Shiva Purana, 21 forms of ganesha are worshipped. However, this number is put at 32 according to another theory. Ganesha likes music and dance.

Shuklaambaradharam vishnum shashi varnam chaturbhujam
Prasanna vadanam dhyaayet sarva vighnopa shaantaye
Agajaanana padmaarkam gajaananamaharnisham
Aneka damtam bhakataanaam ekadanta mupaasmahe
Both these slokas are recited during every ritual.

Ganapathi pancharatnas and Ganaasthakam are also recited by devotees.
Every fourth day after the full moon day is known as Sankastha Chaturthi. Devotees observe fast on the day till dawn and worship Lord Ganesha before having their meal. This practice is known as Sankashta chaturthi vratham. The ritual performed on Bhaadrapada Shudha Chaviti is known as Varasidhi Vinayaka vratham.
Vaishnavites, instead of worshipping Ganesha, worship Vishwaksena. However, it is believed Vishwaksena is the other form of Ganesha. A round areca/betel nut and raw turmeric are worshipped as the forms of Lord Ganesha. 

Material required for worshipping Lord Ganesha

Turmeric powder, Saffron , Gulvaalu , Bukka , Camphor , Coconut , Incense sticks , Oil or ghee lamp , 21 grass blades (Darbha) , 21 varieties of flowers , Wood apple,Plum , Black plum , Guava , Pomegranate , Bananas, Panchaamrutam (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar), Holy water collected from near by river, Turmeric , Round betel nuts (2 numbers) , Unbroken rice, Sandal powder, New piece of cloth , Yagnopaveetham (Sacred thread) , Betel leaves Dates, 21 varieties of leaves, Dakshina (offering in the form of currency or coins), Lord Ganesha’s idol or a photograph, A book or a cassette which details the mantras and process of worshipping.

Om ganaanaam tva ganapathigm havaamahe
Kavim kaveena mupamashravasthamam
Jyeshtha raajam brahmanaam brahmanaspatha
Aanashrunvannuutibhi sseedasaadanam 

This vaidic hymn is chanted before starting Ganapathi pooja.
Omkara/ Pranava:
Omkara is a combination of the basic syllables A (as pronounced in Other),
U (as pronounced in USHA) and Ma (as pronounced in MOTHER).
Devanagari: This is a form of script, which is used for writing Devabhasha or Sanskrit.

GANESHA

GANAPATI WITH THE RIGHT SIDED TRUNK

1. Entire idol: Omkar, the unmanifest (nirgun) principle

2. Trunk: It is a popular belief that an idol with the tip of the trunk pointing towards the right and left are called right-sided and left-sided idols respectively; however this is not the case. One should not decide whether the idol is right-sided or left-sided depending upon which side the trunk is directed. It should be decided depending on the direction in which the initial curve of the trunk points. If the initial curve of the trunk in a Ganesh idol points towards the right and the tip of the trunk points towards the left yet the idol should be considered a rightsided idol. The reason for this is that, the initial curve of the trunk pointing towards the right indicates that the right (that is Sun) channel (nadi) of Ganapati is active.

Right Sided Trunk

Right Sided Trunk Ganapati

2.1 Right-sided trunk: An idol of Ganapati with the trunk curved towards the right is called dakshinmurti or dakshi­nabhimukhi murti (the idol facing the south). Dakshin means the southern direction or the right side. The southern direction leads to the region of Lord Yama (Yamalok), the deity of death while the right side belongs to the Surya nadi (Sun channel). One who is able to face the direction of the region of Yama is powerful. So also, one with an activated Surya nadi is also radiant. Thus in both senses, the Ganapati idol with the trunk curved towards the right is said to be ‘active (jagrut)’.
One feels repulsed by the south direction because it is in that direction that scrutiny of one’s sins and merits is carried out after death, in the region of Lord Yama. Scrutiny akin to that done in the south after death, begins when alive if one faces the south or sleeps with the legs directed towards the south. The dakshinabhimukhi idol is not worshipped ritualistically in the usual manner because tiryak (raja) frequencies are emitted from the south. The ritualistic worship of this idol is performed by observing all the norms of ritualistic worship meticulously. Consequently the sattva component is augmented and one is not distressed by the raja frequencies coming from the south.

Left Sided Trunk

Left Sided Trunk Ganapati

2.2 Left-sided trunk: An idol of Ganapati with the trunk curved towards the left is called Vamamukhi. Vam means the northern direction or the left side. The Chandra nadi (Moon channel) is situated to the left. It bestows tranquility. Besides, since the northern direction is spiritually favourable and bestows Bliss (Anand), mostly the Vamamukhi Ganapati is worshipped. It is worshipped ritualistically in the usual manner.

3. Modak (a sweet delicacy)

3.1 'Moda' means Bliss (Anand) and 'ka' means a small part. So, modak is a small part of Bliss. A modak is shaped like a coconut, that is it is like the cavity 'kha' in the Brahmarandhra. When the kundalini (spiritual energy) reaches the 'kha' cavity, the spiritual experience of Bliss is obtained. The modak held in the hand signifies Bliss endowing energy.

 3.2 'The modak symbolises spiritual knowledge (dnyan): hence it is also called dnyanmodak. Initially it seems that spiritual knowledge is little (the tip of the modak represents this); but as one starts studying Spirituality, one realises its vastness (the base of the modak symbolises this.) A modak is sweet in taste. The Bliss acquired through spiritual knowledge too is like that.
'
4. Goad (ankush) : Destroyer of the energies which are harmful to the mission of acquisition of spiritual knowledge and Bliss.

5. Noose (pash): Worldly bondage. The noose wielded by Ganapati signifies that He will tie the noose around negative entities and take them away.

ANGAARAK CHATURTHI

As explained earlier the Sankashtha Chaturthi becomes Angaarak Chaturthi when the Fourth Day of the moon falls, in the dark half, on the Tuesday. Then the Chaturthi Day has the added significance owing to its falling on the Tuesday. On this day strict vow should be observed. Glorifying the merit of the vow, the 'Ganesh Purana' gives an interesting story When the sage Bharadwaj got a son from the earth, as red as the flower of 'Jaaruband', he gave him the name 'Bhaum' which literally means (the son) of the earth. When Bhaum came of age, sage Bharadwaj gave him 'The Ganesh Mantra' and explained the procedure to chant it. Then he asked Bhaum to go to the bank of river Narmada and chant the 'Mantra' observing total .continence and piety of the character. That was the 'Ekakshari Mantra, 5 which Bhaum chanted with total devotion. Seeing that great devotion and concentration of the boy Bhaum, Lord Ganesh was delighted and appeared before his devotee on Magh Krishna Chaturthi (Fourth Day of the lunar month Magh, ie. between January and February of the English or Gregorian Calendar, in the dark fortnight) and declared that he who does so on Angaarak Chaturthi will have his all enemies destroyed and troubles removed. The Lord also gave the boy Bhaum the right to imbibe the nectar churned out from the ocean, thus providing him the godhood. The Lord also declared that thenceforth Bhaum would be known by the name 'Mangal'. "Since you are the son of the earth and have red complexion, your one name shall be Angaraka." Hence the name Angarak Chaturthi given to the Chaturthi falling on the Tuesdays. (v) Ganesh Parthiva pooja Vrata: ParthivaPoojan means physical worship or the ritualistic worship of the deity. This pooja or worship is done by those who take a vow for the fulfillment of their some specific want Normally this worship lasts for a month. Traditionally this is started on Shravan Shukla Chaturthi (fourth day of the bright half of the lunar month Shravan ie., mid-July to mid-August) and ends on the Bhadrapad Shukla Chaturthi (fourth day of the lunar month Bhadrapad i.e., mid-August to mid-Sept.). On the appointed day the devotee or aspirant should complete his morning ablutions and then should make a clay idol of Lord Ganesh having four arms and in which all his symbols like the snare, the goad etc. be dearly displayed. The clay selected for the making of the idol should be black smooth clay. After making it, the idol should be ritually installed on a pedestal and sitting before it on a Kushasan the aspirant should anoint the Lord's (idol's) head with vermilion and rice grains. Then concentrating his mind on the auspicious visage of Lord Ganesh, he should chant 'Ekakshari Mantra' for exact one lakh times, giving time for natural bodily functions. When the chant is over the aspirant should perform the 'Havan' ceremony on the Panchami (known as Rishi Panchimi) day after chanting the 'Mantra' ten thousand times during the havan. On the Shashti (next day after Panchami) day, the idol of the Lord should be carried in a palanquin amidst a procession and it should be immersed in a pond or river or sea whichever is nearer. Even the women of the household should accompany the procession. In this vow or Vrata, there is a scriptural provision for having more than one idol. One to two idols for getting an impossible work accomplished; three for money etc. But it is advisable to concentrate on one idol. It is declared in the Puranas that faith in one symbol ensures better concentration and hence better communication. There is a story in the Puranas that when Lord Shiv had slain Tripurasur, he found his eternal spouse Parvati ji missing. Only when she had heard about the good news of Tripurasur's death that she emerged from a cave in Himalaya. She had hidden there on account of the fear she felt when her espouse Lord Shiv had gone to fight with that deadly demon. When she had come out of the cave and told her Lord about her fear, he admonished her and ordained that she should do the Ganesh Parthiva Pooja to get rid of all fear. [The reader might be surprised that how the mother was asked by the father to worship their son which had not been born ! It is because of the perpetuity of the form's existence in different epochs. It is not that Lord Shiv and Parvati and Ganesh existed only in this Chaturyugi (the cycle of the four Yugs viz. Satya, Trem, Dwapar and Kaliyug) but they exist in every cycle. This is a common fallacious imagination occurring in the entire Hindu Mythology. So much so, Lord Shiv and Goddess Parvati have been described to have worshipped Ganesh before their marriage ! This is perhaps to show the eternity of these celestial existences. The same explanation is given by Goswami Tulsidas in his 'Ram Charita Manas' where he says: kou suni sansaya karaya jani sur anadi jiya jani (One should not nurse any doubt deeming gods to be the eternal existences) (vi) Twenty One Days' Ganesh Vrata: This should be started on Shravan Shukla Chaturthi and completed on Bhadrapada Krishna Dashmi [i.e., for eleven days in Shrawan and remaining 10 days in Bhadrapada], which makes exactly twenty one days. [It appears Lord Ganesh is specially fond of the figure of twenty one, for in his all worship rituals this figure occurs repeatedly]. On the completion of the Vrata the pious brahmans and unmarried girls should be fed on the 'Prasadam' of laddoos. This is also a special vow observed for some specific purpose. (vii) Tila Chaturthi Vrata: This vow is observed on Magh Shukla Chaturthi. 6 As the name suggests, on this day white til (sesame seeds) is only used for making eleven 'Modaks' -as the 'Prasadam'. The aspirant should eat only this laddoo in the night after day long fast This fast is normally kept to get rid of some dreadful disease i.e., for a specific purpose. (viii) Doorba Ganapati Vrata: In this vow_the grass twigs or Doorba have special significance. This vow or Vrata is observed when Vinayak Chaturthi falls on Sunday. In this ritualistic worship, after sixteen customary offerings, the aspirant should bow six times before the idol and circumambulate round the idol six times and then offer oblation of 6 twigs of grass (Doorba), and 6 laddoos. The observance of this vow ensures grace of Lord Ganapati-so declare the Puranas. (ix) Vat Ganesh Vrata: This vow is so named because all the rituals, worship etc., are performed beneath a banyan tree or a 'Vat'. This is normally observed right from Kartik Shukla Chaturthi 7 to Magh Shukla Chaturthi. 8 In this worship the rituals are performed before the whole family of Lord Shiv-his espouse Parvati, his two sons Ganesh and Kartikeya-and cermonial "Shodasaupchar" (sixteen offerings) are made in the same way as already mentioned in the worship of Lord Ganesh. The ultimate purpose, of this vow is to ensure good health of the devotee. (x) Kapardi Vinayak Vrata: Kapardi is the Sanskrit term for cowrie. The observer of this vow gives in alms cowrie and a handful of rice grain to beggars to please Lord Ganesh. It should be observed on Shravan Shukla Chaturthi. 9 After ritual Ganesh worship with sixteen customary offerings, the 'prasadam', made specially of milk and rice-Iaddoos or kheer should be distributed among the poor. The purpose is getting rich by the grace of Lord Ganesh. 1 . Emblic mynobalan (its fruit) 2 . 'Shashtang literally means with all the eight organs or members of one's body. These eight organs are : head, hands, feet, eyes, thighs, heart, speech and mind. It means salutation made with total or complete devotion in which mind and all other organs of the body are united in totality. 3 . The brief story is like this : There was a man in Dwarika called Satrajit He was an ardent worshipper of Lord Sun. Propitiated by his worship the Lord appeared before him and granted a wonder-gem called Syamantak to Satrajit The gem radiated such a dazzling light that the people of Dwarika thought as though Lord Surya (Sun) had givm him his own radiance. That gem used 10 give about 8 'bhar' (nearly 80 tolas) gold every day. Lord Krishna. asked to give that gem to the royal coffer of Dwirika but Satrajit refused. later, Satrajit's brother Prasen had gone for hunting wearing that gem where a lion devoured him and Satrajit blamed Loot Krishna that he had stolen the gem after slaying Prasen. To prove his innocence Loot Krishna went in search of that gem. The lion that had devoured the gem after killing Prasen happened to reach the cave of the fabled Bear Jambavant of the 'Ramayan' fame. Jambavant had slain the lion when the beast reached his cave and gave that gem to his daughter Jambavanti. Ultimately Loot Krishna fought a duel with Jambavant to get the gem back. Jambavant realised who he had fought with ~his chosen Lord Rim in a different form along with the gem also gave his daughter in marriage to Lord Krishna When the gem was brought back.. Lord Krishna was absolved of the entire blame and Satrajit apologised to Lord Krishna. and also married his daughter to him. The same story is referred to in the ShIoka.. 4 . Mentioned under the sub-heading 'Varad Chaturthi'. 5 . The Mantra is : "OM Ganapataye Namah" 6 . Fourth Day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month Magh i.e. between mid-Dec. to mid-January. 7 . Bright half, Fourth 'Day of !be Kartik month i.e., mid-October to mid November. , 8 . Bright half, Fourth day of Magh month i.e., mid-Dec to mid-Jan. 9 . Bright half, Fourth day of the month of Shravan (mid-July to mid-August).

THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CHATURTHI DAY

) The Spiritual Significance of the Chaturthi Day:

Chaturthi is the fourth digital phase of the waxing moon. The spiritualists believe that Amavasya or the moonless night is the period of hibernation of this luminary. When one wakes up from the deep slumber, one gets fully conscious in the fourth stage. These are 'Swapna', 'Swaap', 'Jagaran' and 'Chetana' which can be loosely rendered as the stage of dream, hangover, awakening and consciousness. It is in the fourth stage that one is fully conscious after getting up. In this stage one sees the world as it exists, sans any imagination or dream. Hence this is the stage when one's all senses are fully conscious and alert. This is also the stage when one can fully concentrate with total devotion. It is for this reason that those who are well versed in spiritualism recommend worship of Lord Ganesh. the first god to be worshipped, on the Chaturthi Day.

The prohibition to look at the moon on this day has also its spirituo-psychological explanation. The moon, as we all know. is believed to represent one's 'Man' -the mind or self. This is the traditional belief corroborated by psychologists and astrologers both. The man is not deemed fully conscious of the environment when he is introvert or looking more towards himself than outside. As explained earlier, the day of Chaturthi represents the fully conscious-stage of the mind. And one is fully conscious when one looks outside with his all senses. Hence looking towards your 'Man' or inside your sense is not recommended on this day for this tendency is conducive to induce sleep or dreaminess or imagination. When one is fully conscious one should look at the world to assess one's real position and rise to reality. Hence it is prohibited to look at the moon on the Chaturthi Day. All the myths created around this assertion. are owing to the inherent and dominant tendency of the Aryan brain. In fact all the recommendations of the Hindu religious belief originate because of this tendency. The Aryan brain was convinced that man would not accept the secular authority unless it has an aura of the supernatural woven around it. Since the very symbol of Ganesh is the creation of such a brain, all the myths around this symbol are created to make this symbol appear logical and convincing.

In fact, suppression of 'Man' or control of it is the basic burden of all the teachings of Sanatan Dharma whether they say it by the means of Puranas or Scriptures or the great treatise on human behaviour like Gita. This prohibition to look at the moon is a small corollary to the original and basic concept.

(iii) Sankashthi Chaturthi:

Sankashthi Chaturthi or just 'Sankashthi' means that fourth day of the moon's phase which occurs in the dark fortnight in every month.

This day assumes greater importance when this Chaturthi falls on Tuesday, when it is called Angarak Chaturthi. Otherwise any Chaturthi falling on any other day is called' Sankashthi'. Alternatively it is also called Vinayaki Chaturthi in some parts of India.

According to the Pauranic dictates on this day the devotee should keep fast and should break this fast on the next day ie on Panchami. During the fast, visit to a temple of Lord Ganesh, listening to the tales connected with Lord Ganesh's worship should be listened to with full devotion.

The Ganesh Puran extols the glory of this fast and says that one who keeps fast on this day has his all obstacles removed by the grace of Lord Ganesh and gets all his desires fulfilled. There are many legends mentioned in the same Puranas to extol the virtues of keeping fasts on Sankashthi Chaturthi. Sankashthi literally means end of the afflictions or distress. Some of the tales are mentioned below:

Story:-

(a) Raja Kritveerya was a 'Shoodra' in his previous life and used to stoop to the meanest level to keep his family well-fed. One day he slayed a brahman named Sham in his attempt to extract some money from the brahman's pocket. Having killed the brahman, he returned home on the Magh (Dec.-Jan.) Chaturthi (dark half) day. As his good luck would have it, he had a son named Ganesh. Owing to his fighting with that brahman and caring for the safety of the money he had usurped, he had not eaten any thing that day. When reaching home, he called his son Ganesh. Since he was also badly wounded in his fight with the brahman, he expired as soon as he gave that money to his son. But since he had kept fast on that day out of sheer compulsion and called the name �Ganesh', his all sins were redeemed and in the next birth he got the birth in a king's house and later himself became the king Kritveerya. Although he was a powerful king in this life and had a devoted wife called Sugandha, the royal couple had one great shortcoming that they had no son. On the advice of the priests the couple performed many severe penance but in vain. Dejected, both of them had left their kingdom and repaired to jungle to waste away their life. When Narad saw them in that sorry state, he informed the king's departed father, residing in heaven, Brahmadeva who made Narad convey his message that the king should keep fast on the Sankashthi Day to get a son. The king, Kritveerya did so and had his wish fulfilled eventually.

THE CELEBRATIONS IN MAHARASHTRA

This is the special function day or the grandest festival of Maharashtra.

Almost each locality of every town and village has its own idol of Lord Ganesh specially made for the occasion. Although there are thousands of centres that make such idols, those built by the craftsmen of a small town Pen are rated higher. A Ganapati is brought and installed on a colourful painted plank. The grown-ups carry the plank themselves; the children strike the cymbals and, beat the gongs yelling lustily: "Ganapati bappa morya..." The Ganapati is brought home amidst great fanfare. Since the favorite idols are generally made of clay, special care is taken to carry the idol intact. No one will take the risk of being jostled by the crowd and dropping the idol, for a damaged Ganapati is considered very inauspicious.

Ganapati idols are, installed in homes on this day and worshipped. Though they vary in size they are similar in appearance. All of them have the deity seated. In front of God Ganapati is put a big 'thaal' (plate) containing modaks made of rice-flour and f1lled with jaggery, grated coconut, cardamom seeds and dried fruit. How long the Ganapati idol is kept at home depends on family tradition. It may be thirty six hours in some homes, in others it varies from five, seven to nine days, till Anant Chaturdashi.

When the idol is brought home it is installed in a specially decorated place. Children decorate their Ganapatis with colorful papers and string of colored lights. During the time Ganapati is kept at home, prayers are offered every morning and evening and Arti performed everyday. In some homes priests are asked to conduct the worship; in others members of the family do it themselves. It is customary to make offerings for twenty-one blades of grass, kewra (pandanus buds), a lotus flower and twenty-one modaks as 'prasadam.'

Besides the Ganapatis installed in homes, most localities also have their own community Ganapatis. These images are usually very large, sometimes almost twenty feet high. Since he has different manifestations in the Puranas, the Mahabharat and the Ramayana. he is represented in his multifarious activities. He may be depicted as Krishna, standing on the head of the snake 'Kaalia' or slaying the demon 'Keshi'. There is a belief that the kind and benevolent aspect of Ganapati is represented in every deity of the Hindu Pantheon. Though hundreds of images of Ganapati are made every year in the traditional form, new forms are invented to depict the current theme. One may not be surprised if one finds Ganapati landing on the moon or working on a computer!

It was Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak who made the ritual worship of Ganesh in Maharashtra almost a national festival. The festival is fondly called the 'Ganesh-Utsav. Tilak revived this festival to instill new faith in the people. He believed that when people got together to celebrate the festival, they would forget their internal differences and be united by goodwill.

Tilak also encouraged art and culture; he patronised cultural programmes in which well-known singers and promising musicians were invited. Poetry recitations by renowned poets .were organised and new and old plays staged. There were community hymn singing with 'bhajans' (devotional songs) and 'Kirtan' (group chanting or singing) followed by religious discourses. Though Tilak rejuvenated the festival celebration, the Ganesh Chaturthi has been performed since times immemorial in Maharashtra.

'Gauri (parvati) pooja' is also performed in many homes during these days of festivity and during the ten-day Ganesh festival. Domestic servants go dancing from house to house. This ritual starts on Janmashtami and continues till Anant Chaturdashi. After " Govinda aala re�� " they start rehearsing for " Ganapati bappa morya..... "

Ganesh Utsav is celebrated in villages as well as large cities. There also the Ganapati idol is installed preferably in some school or the house of headman of the village with great enthusiasm.

At long last comes Anant Chaturdashi. Elaborate preparations are made for the immersion ceremony. Some people accompanied by their relatives and friends, prefer to perform the immersion of Ganapati themselves. Others place their idols near the big images installed in public places. These are then mounted on decorated bullock carts and trucks. Children are allowed to clamber up behind them. The procession goes down the street striking cymbals and gongs and rending the air with " Ganapati bappa ... ". At the appointed place the truck and bullock-carts meet to form a larger procession. Every village and town has its own tradition regarding which of its many Ganapatis is to be given the honor of leading the procession. Usually pride of place is given to the idol from the oldest temple. It is carried in a palanquin. Choral groups. and drummers accompany the procession. They chant hymns while people watching from the roadside, shower coloured powder on them. And so with much fervor and enthusiasm the idols are immersed in the river, tank or sea usually at dusk-time. Then they raise a cry:

�Ganapati bappa morya!
Purhchya varshi laukar ya !" .

[0 Father Ganapati, return again early the following year ]